Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
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You know what stood out to me me today? Not just that Jesus will go after even just one of us who may go astray…but it’s the fact that He says when He finds us He will joyfully put us on His shoulders and bring us back. Maybe you have wandered off. You’ve wandered so far that you wouldn’t even know how to get back if you tried. Maybe you’ve been hurt by the church, a spouse, a friend, a loss, etc. and you don’t think you could even walk back if you wanted to because you have been wounded. Jesus says He will pursue you, and when He finds you, if you let Him, He will put you on HIS shoulders and carry you back. You can make it back today…let Him carry you back! Not only that, but maybe you feel guilty and ashamed that you have wandered. You don’t want people to judge you and ridicule you as the religious leaders did. Don’t forget…Jesus says He will carry you back JOYFULLY! He will be so happy that a party will break out in heaven! No need to carry guilt and shame around Jesus…He already bore that for you! So…are you lost? Let Jesus bring you back today in joy!
A Journey With Jesus 